Reusable liquid container with storage compartment

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a multi-use container that provides for liquids storage along with dry storage. In one embodiment, the container comprises a drinking bottle removably attached to a storage container that is shaped so as to be integrated with the drinking bottle when attached. The storage container is capable of housing various eating and transport accessories, for example, a reusable utensil, straw, and carrying bag. The storage container may also house other accessories, such as personal hygiene or medical accessories, e.g., a cloth face mask and hand sanitizer. In one ore more embodiments, the storage container is interchangeable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the Provisional U.S. patentapplication No. 62/984,910 entitled “Reusable Water Bottle With Utensiland Bag Storage Compartment,” filed Mar. 4, 2020.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. Plasticdrinkware, utensils, and other single-use plastic items used in the foodand beverage industry are prime culprits of this pollution. Solutions toaddress single-use drinkware and utensils are a vital need. However,many non-plastic or re-usable alternatives are not satisfactory.

The inventive solution herein meets the need of providing a wholisticapproach to re-usable food and drink accessories, including transport.As described herein, the invention comprises a plurality of reusableaccessories housed inside a reusable liquid container, which maypreferably be used as a drink bottle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the Improved Reusable Liquid Container withStorage Compartment, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to beunderstood that in some instances, various aspects of the invention maybe shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of theinvention. Therefore, the drawings may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the disassembled container.

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the disassembled container.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 4 is a detailed explode view of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 5A is a front view of one embodiment of the assembled container.

FIG. 5B is a cutaway view of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows the storage cup with one embodiment of cut outs foraccessories.

FIG. 6B shows the side view of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C shows details of the cutaway view shown in FIG. 6D.

FIG. 6D shows a cutaway view of one embodiments of the storage cup withstorage compartment.

FIG. 7 is the isometric view of one embodiment of the containerassembled.

FIG. 8 is the isometric view of one embodiment of the storage cup withaccessories.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the accessories.

BACKGROUND

Single-use plastics are used across the globe, leading to millions oftons of single-use plastics being disposed of Much of this waste makesits way into the environment, specifically waterways and oceans. Thispollution wreaks havoc on aquatic ecosystems and harms tourism.

The four most common single-use plastics are: plastic water bottles,plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic utensils (such as forks,spoons and knives). Many cities and states are seeking, throughregulation and incentive programs, to reduce pollution by eliminatingsuch single-use plastic accessories. For example, some businesses andrestaurants offer paper or wooden straws, while many do not use anystraws at all. While paper straws do offer some relief from single-useplastic straws, they—like other recycled material eating utensils orfood containers—become soggy and unwieldy after even short-term use. Themanufacturing process for these items likewise creates its ownenvironmental issues.

Some businesses charge consumers for plastic bags in an attempt toreduce plastic bag usage. However, consumers may be unwilling to pay thecharge for the convenience. And these types of fees disproportionatelyaffect persons of low income.

There is also the issue of forming new habits in consumers. Unless aconsumer makes the conscience decision to seek out re-usablealternatives, there is no driving force to create new habits. Theproducts currently on the market do not provide the convenient andholistic solution needed to form new consumer habits.

Although there is an obvious trend of environmentalism and a trend tomove toward reusables, current reusable products are not convenient tocarry because they are bulky and awkward, do not perform as well astheir single-use alternatives, and/or are cost prohibitive. Thus, a newsolution is needed that allows the consumer to forego any of theun-satisfactory alternatives being proffered by retailers andrestaurants in favor of a consumer-driven, convenient, andcost-effective solution. This application presents embodiments of aproduct that resolves many of these problems by providing users withoptions to interchange the accessories connected to the containerthrough the removably attached cup.

Although some prior art have attempted to address this need by creatingmulti-function thermos, cups, etc., none provide a holistic solution.For instance, although some prior art may provide for a multi-usecontainer with an attachable utensil, such does not address theconsumer's need to carry any accompanying meal prep or food itemsout-side of the contents of the thermos. They also do not address theversatility provided by this solution. Moreover, this type of solutiononly addresses either the food transport or drink transport, never both.That is, the thermos or containers of the prior art can only carry oneitem inside. Whereas the current invention can accommodate a liquid inthe container and any foodstuff in the carrying bag. The bag componentstored within the container can be used for carrying groceries or itemsin a retail setting.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the instant solution includesan interchangeable cup. The user may connect one cup with the utensilsfor every-day use, connect a separate cup with first aide when embarkingon outdoor activities, connect a separate cup with personal hygiene andmedical items like hand sanitizer, a face mask, or make up cloths,and/or connect a separate cup with child care items like wipes and apacifier. In other embodiments, the cup remains unchanged, but theinsert within the cup can be interchanged for the same purpose. Thus,this solution provides a replacement for not only throw-away waterbottles and utensils, but also for bulky or multiple carrying bags.

This invention combines a reusable liquids container with reusableaccessories (e.g., a straw, utensils), including a reusable bag,together into one product that can be easily carried around byconsumers.

In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a container forholding water, a lid, one or more storage compartments that allow forproper storage of a straw, bag and one or more utensils. This embodimentof the invention is especially useful because of the popularity ofreusable water bottles. By using a product that a consumer is generallyfamiliar with—reusable water bottles—the invention bridges the gapbetween reusable and single-use plastic utensils, straws, and bags.Thus, the consumer is encouraged to envision a wholistic approach and toform new, wholistic habits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope ofclaims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in otherways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to theones described in this document, in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies.

FIGS. 1-5 depict an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the reusablecontainer 0 comprises a lid 1, optional sealing ring 2 (shown in FIG.4), liquids container 4, accessories 6 (shown in FIG. 4), and storagecup 9 with various storage compartment 8 (shown in FIG. 4)configurations. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the assembled container and acutaway view of the assembled container, depicting the storagecompartments and accessories inside.

The liquids container 4 may comprise any container suitable to holdliquid or semiliquid materials. In one or more embodiments, the liquidscontainer 4 is made of metal, steel, double-walled/insulatedmetal/steel, plastic or any combination thereof. In other embodiments,the liquids container 4 comprises silicone or rubber. In otherembodiments still, the liquids container 4 comprises a flexible, butresilient material so that the liquids container 4 may be compressed forstorage.

The liquids container 4 is connected at one end to the lid 1 and at theother to the storage cup 9.

The liquids container 4 may be any suitable shape, includingcylindrical. It may be tapered towards the end that connects to the lid1. In one or more embodiments, the liquids container 4 may have cut outswhich roughly correspond to a user's hand, and/or may be otherwiseindented or shaped to accommodate a user's grip.

The liquids container 4 is suitably sized to mimic a consumer waterbottle. For example, the liquids container 4 may be between 5 and 10inches tall and 2 to 5 inches wide. However, these measurements areillustrative only. In other embodiments, the liquids container 4 islarger, for example 11 to 14 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide. Inother embodiments, it may be preferable to have a “mini” or “compact”liquids container 4 so that the dimensions would be between 3 to 5inches tall and 1 to 2 inches wide. The dimensions are suitably selectedto store enough liquid to address the typical hydration needs of a user.

At the end that connects to the lid 1, the liquids container 4 maycomprise a series of ridges or threading, or other type of fasteningmechanism that correspond with the lid 1. In one or more embodiments,there may also be a sealing ring 2 that ensures that the liquidscontainer 4 is airtight. The sealing ring is show in FIG. 4.

The lid 1 may be made of any suitable material as known in the art,including plastic, rubber, silicone, metal, steel or any combinationthereof. The lid 1 may be solid, feature a straw, or other mechanismused to consume the liquid within the liquids container 4 withoutdetaching or unscrewing the lid 1. In one or more embodiments, anintegrated or none-integrated straw is inserted through the lid 1 wherepart of the straw is always inside the liquids container 4 and part ofthe straw extends through the lid 1. One embodiment comprises anintegrated straw. In this embodiment, the straw may have a folding piecethat is built into the lid 1 that a user would unfold to use the strawand drink the liquid inside the liquids container 4 without detaching orunscrewing the lid 1.

In one or more embodiments, the lid 1 comprises a flip-up mechanism thatreveals the bottom portion of the lid 1, from which the user could drinkthe liquid. The part of the lid 1 that the user drinks the liquid from,could be: a straw type device, a squirting type device, an open hole orany other liquid-dispensing device known in the art.

In one or more embodiments, the lid 1 may feature a carrying device,handle, clip or strap at the top of the lid 1 for the user to carrytheir water bottle. This handle or carrying device could be shaped likea water droplet, oval, circle, square, triangle or any other shape knownin the art. As operably shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the lid 1 comprises ahook 1 a.

The liquids container bottom forms a barrier between the liquids in theliquids container 4 and the contents of storage cup 9 and the storagecompartment 8 located therein.

As shown, a storage cup 9, which houses the storage compartment 8, isconnected at or near the bottom of the liquids container 4. It ispreferred, although not required in all embodiments, that the storagecup 9 be fully removable from the liquid container 4. In such anembodiment, the fittings or other attachment means for the storage cupshould be operatively positioned to allow the liquids container to standwhen the cup is removed. In the depicted embodiment, for example inFIGS. 1 and 8, the storage cup 9 is removably connected to the liquidscontainer 4 with a click and lock mechanism 10. However, any otherfriction fit, or structural fit as known in the art may be used, forexample, threads.

As shown in FIGS. 6a-c and FIG. 8, the storage compartment 8 is housedwithin the storage cup 9. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the storagecup 9 is shaped to removably attach to the liquids container 4. In oneembodiment, the storage compartment 8 is an integral part of the storagecup 9, while in others, the storage compartment may be removably and/orinterchangeably inserted into the storage cup. In other embodiments, thestorage cup 9, is a hollow, open semi-rounded shape. In one or moreembodiments, the storage cup 9 may be a tapered shape, or some othershape as desired.

Preferably, the storage cup 9 is shaped so as to allow the container 0to remain upright on a relatively flat surface.

The storage cup 9 may be made of any suitable material. It may be madeof the same materials as the liquids container 4 or lid 1. It may alsobe made of a different material than the liquids container 4 and lid 1.The bottom of the storage cup 9 may suitably comprise a non-slipmaterial.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 9 show the storage compartment 8 hidden when thestorage cup 9 is assembled with the liquids container 4. This embodimentalso shows the compartment 8 being an integrated part of the cup 9. Thiscreates a sleek and desirable silhouette for the product. The storagecompartment 8 within the storage cup 9 may be made of any suitablematerial, including plastics or metals. It may be made of the samematerials as the liquids container 4 or lid 1. It may also be made of adifferent material than the liquids container 4 and lid 1. The storagecompartment 8 maybe made of semi-rigid, but resilient material such thatit may be manipulated by the user to accept various sizes ofaccessories.

Turning to FIGS. 6A-D, the depicted storage cup 9 with storagecompartment 8 comprises a plurality of cut outs 7 a-e. The number andsize of the cutouts 7 a-e may vary depending on consumer interest,weight limitations, and accessories. The depicted embodiment featuresthree cut outs 7 c-e, which are shaped so as to house specificaccessories 6 a-c, namely, a foldable spork, knife, spoon, and/or fork 6c, straw and/or chopsticks 6 b, and carrying bag 6 a. In otherembodiments, the cutouts are shaped uniformly. In other embodiments, thecutouts are shaped to accommodate any type of accessory, includinguniversal shapes for consumer pre-purchased accessories and/or thosethat come packaged with the reusable container 0.

FIG. 9 shows typical accessories 6 a-e. In the depicted embodiment, theaccessories comprise a spork, knife, spoon, and/or fork 6 c-e, strawand/or chopsticks 6 b, and carrying bag 6 a. Note that the straw 6 b maybe designed to withdraw liquids from the liquids container 4; however,it is also suitably designed to be used with a separate liquidscontainer, such as a can of soda or glass of juice.

Any number of accessories can be used with the reusable container 0 solong as they fit within the storage cup 9 with the storage compartment8. FIG. 8 shows one such configuration of the storage compartment withcomprise a spork, knife, spoon, and/or fork 6 c-e, straw and/orchopsticks 6 b, and carrying bag 6 a stored. It may be advantageous invarious embodiments to employ cut outs 7 that are optimally sized forspecific accessories as such would reduce noise and rattling when thebottle is in motion. In one or more embodiments, the cut outs may besized to friction fit an accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the storage cup 9 and/or the storagecontainer 8 may be interchangeable. In such an embodiment, differentshapes of the storage compartment 8 are applied for various storage cups9. For example, cutouts may be shaped and sized to accommodateaccessories for a first aide kit (e.g., bandages, alcohol wipes, andpain reliver). Another example is a storage cup 9 designed for babyaccessories, e.g., wet wipes and a pacifier. Another example still is astorage cup 9 for personal hygiene or medical accessories, e g , handsanitizer, a cloth mask or face covering, deodorant, make-up wipes, etc.The storage cup 9 and cutouts 7 a-e are sized to accommodate thespecific accessories in these embodiments. In other embodiments, thestorage cup 9 and cutouts 7 a-e are sized to universally allow for anynumber of accessories selected by the user.

To use the reusable container 0, a user removes the storage cup 9 fromthe liquids container 4 to reveal the storage compartment 8 and itscontents. The user may then remove the accessories 6 a-c and thenre-attach the storage cup 9. The user may also leave the storage cup 9unattached and use the liquids container 4 as a simple water bottle.

The user may wish to remove the bag accessory only and place foodstuffin the bag, along with the reusable container 0 for transport or to aidein grocery shopping

When the user is finished using one or more of the accessors 6 a-e thatthey removed from the storage compartment 8, they can simply detach thestorage cup 9 again and place the accessories 6 a-e back in theirdesignated cutouts 7 a-e.

Not only will the designated cutouts 7 a-e keep the items secure,fastened and complete with the container 0, but will also keep each ofthe accessories 6 a-e clean and prevent them from touching one another.

The user may also interchange the storage cups 9 as desired in the samemanner.

For the purpose of understanding the Improved Reusable Liquid Containerwith Storage Compartment, references are made in the text to exemplaryembodiments of an Improved Reusable Liquid Container with StorageCompartment, only some of which are described herein. It should beunderstood that no limitations on the scope of the invention areintended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionallyequivalent components, materials, designs, and equipment may be used.The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent andobvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinaryskill in the art to employ the present invention.

1. A multi-use container comprising: a. a liquids container with a lidand a bottom opposing the lid; b. a storage cup that is removablyattached to said liquids container at or near the bottom of the liquidscontainer such that the contents of said liquids container does notcontact the contents of said storage cup; wherein said storage cupcomprises one or more cutouts shaped to store at least one accessory. 2.The multi-use container of claim 1 wherein said cup further comprises astorage container and wherein said cutouts are shaped by the outer andinner walls of said storage container.
 3. The multi-use container ofclaim 2 wherein said storage container is housed completely within theperimeter of said cup.
 4. The multi-use container of claim 1 or claim 2comprising a plurality of cutouts, wherein each cutout is shaped toaccommodate the storage of at least one accessory chosen from the groupconsisting of: a reusable utensil, a carrying bag, a reusable straw, abandage, a cloth face mask, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a package ofwet wipes.
 5. The multi-use container of claim 1 wherein said lid issecured to said liquids container with corresponding threads.
 6. Themulti-use container of claim 1 wherein the threads on the liquidcontainer are positioned to allow the liquids container to stand whenthe cup is detached from the liquid container.
 7. The multi-usecontainer of claim 1 wherein said cup is removably attached to saidliquids container through a click and lock mechanism.
 8. The multi-usecontainer of claim 5 wherein said cup is interchangeable.
 9. Themulti-use container of claim 2 wherein said storage container isremovable from said cup.
 10. A water bottle with a storage compartmentcomprising: a. a water container comprising a lid and a bottom; b. a cupremovably connected to said water container; c. a storage compartmenthoused within said cup; wherein said storage compartment comprises aplurality of cutouts and wherein each cutout is shaped so as to frictionfit an accessory.
 11. The water bottle with a storage compartment ofclaim 10 comprising three or more cutouts and wherein one cutout isshaped so as to fit a reusable straw or chopsticks therein, a secondcutout is shaped to fit therein an accessory selected from the groupconsisting of a spork, a knife, a fork, and a spoon, and a third of saidcutouts is shaped so as to fit a carrying bag therein.
 12. A multi-useportable container comprising a lid removably attached to a liquidscontainer, and a cup removably attached to the other end of said liquidscontainer, said cup comprising three cutouts, each cutout shaped tosecurely hold a specific accessory, said specific accessories consistingof a carrying bag, a foldable utensil, and a foldable straw, and whereinsaid lid comprises a hook and a sealing ring, and wherein said liquidscontainer comprises a bottom that forms a fit with said cup.